ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Osteopathic manipulative medicine

Osteopathic manipulative medicine is a type of medical treatment that involves using your hands to move, stretch and massage certain parts of your body. It's like a special way of giving your body a hug or a pat on the back to help it feel better.

When we get sick or have an injury, like a sprained ankle or a stiff neck, our body tries to heal itself, but sometimes it needs a little help. That's where osteopathic manipulative medicine comes in. An osteopathic doctor or physician, also called an osteopath, can use a hands-on approach to help your body heal faster and feel better.

For example, an osteopath might gently stretch and massage your muscles and joints to help reduce pain and stiffness. They might also use some pressure or force to help realign your bones or joints that are out of place.

Osteopathic doctors believe that the body works as a whole, and that everything is connected. By manipulating certain parts of your body, they can help improve the flow of blood, nerve signals and other fluids that help your body function properly.

Overall, osteopathic manipulative medicine is a gentle and natural way to help your body heal itself. It's especially helpful for people with musculoskeletal problems, but it can also be used to treat a wide range of other conditions, including headaches, asthma, digestive issues, and more.